By cleverly calling it the “zero” Budget, Finance Minister Bill English wanted quiet yawning acceptance from us. He succeeded.

He got great back-up on Friday morning television from Prime Minister John Key, whose smooth delivery about the Government being prudent and careful with the nation’s accounts in these unpredictable times – just like “mums and dads” are doing with their household budgets – was masterful. You could almost see the heads nodding sagely in the nation’s kitchens.

Labour’s David Shearer saying the Budget didn’t address challenges we face, such as support for exporters, would have gone over the heads of most viewers and his demand that Key should support raising the retirement age wouldn’t endear him to even his own supporters.

Other party leaders were left sidelined, muttering that it hurt poor New Zealanders and had no job growth plan.